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1st Half Missed Chances Prove Costly.
Published: 02/03/2010
Driffield had to make some changes for this game; O.Cooper, Stephenson and Thompson were away skiing and were replaced by C.Bradshaw, Morris and coach Bone. They also had to make a change from the programme sheet, when Maggs cried off, Waterhouse coming off the original bench and Ridsdale replacing him. Also on the bench were Harding and Harrison.
It was easy to see why Billingham are sitting second in the league, with the highest points for. They have a big, mobile and aggressive pack, and some fast backs who also showed good defensive qualities. The three Evans brothers obviously listen to Coach Father, and run with good lines. The Shepherd twins also are a handful, but Garbutt on the left wing is a flyer, who took his chances well and was prepared to roam the field in search of the ball.
Driffield started brightly, and had three chances to go ahead on 3, 6 and 10 minutes. Three penalties were awarded to them in kickable positions, but all were missed. It is difficult to blame Birch who took the kicks, for he played very well in other departments, but chances like these must be taken against sides like Billingham. Certainly the referee Baker was very prolific with the penalty count, and Billingham took advantage. Fly half Evans kicked long touches to relieve pressure, and when he had the opportunity to kick at goal he took it. This was for offside and after 17 mins.
Driffield were still in the game and getting their fair share of possession, but on 38 mins disaster struck, when Morris was yellow carded for a late tackle. Soon after Tom Wright joined him, and with only 13 men on the field Driffield were very vulnerable. Billingham immediately took advantage of the numerical superiority. Fast left winger Garbutt struck twice within 2 mins. His second try was a classic, all of 50 M and at such pace, leaving would be tacklers in his wake. Fly half Evans converted both, and the complexion of the game had totally changed. Half time score Driffield 0 – Billingham 17.
Directly the new half had started Diffield gave away a kickable penalty by P. Evans to make them 20 up. Captain J Evans made a slicing break and it was that man again who took advantage, Garbutt collected the ball and went in on his opposite wing, with P. Evans making the conversion. Driffield 0 – Billingham 27.
Things were now looking very ominous for Driffield, but they got up to 15 men again and started to really take the game to their opponents. Changes were also made with Harrison taking over from Bradshaw, Ridsdale for Beachell and Harding for Grey. Billingham also made changes, but the most significant item was that they lost a man to the sin bin, followed by another soon after, the culprits being Dixon and Hyndman. They were defending desperately, but with great tenacity. Just before this McGregor from a free kick, passed to Wright and looped round him for the return and opened up the line for Birch to come up from full back on the left. It was a well worked try but not converted. Driff 5 – Bill 27.
It was a start and there was continuous pressure from Driffield, Wright appeared to be over the line but lost the ball, Birch made some scything runs and looked as though he would score. It was all Driffield now, and Billingham were giving away many penalties as they tried to keep the score down. This led to the yellow cards mentioned above. Eventually McClarron got over, but too far out for a conversion. D 10 – B 27.
Just before the full time whistle another attack led to Bone scoring and McGregor converting. Driff 17 – Bill 27. It was too late to threaten the Billingham win, but it showed that Driffield were fighting right to the end and finished the stronger team.
All together a very good performance, but no team can miss chances as Driffield did early on, also have two men yellow carded at the same time and expect to win games.
There were some fine performances in the out weighted and shorter Driffield pack. Bradshaw when he was on, drove well and is difficult to stop, Morris, also a young man played well and Borman kept going right through the match. Hamilton was able to secure some lineout ball, and as the game wore on, the pack was able to compete in the right area of the field.
In the backs, Grey was prominent, and McGregor had arguably one of his best games for the club, kicking from the hand soundly. Birch showed again what a dangerous runner he is when he attacks from full back, and saved a very hairy moment on the line with a judicious move and clearance kick, but must practice his place kicking at training. Wright tackled at his usual best and Short let nobody down. The replacements in this team stood up to be counted.
Another tough assignment next week, away to Hartlepool Rovers. A mention must be made, concerning the fine condition of the pitch. The recent rain had not affected the surface, and the weather on the day was ideal for rugby.
Ian Douglas.
